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Reviewed by Methamphetamine, also known as โmethโ or โcrystal meth,โ is a highly addictive and potent stimulant responsible for approximately 30% of drug-related deaths in the United States.
Methamphetamine use is associated with severe physical and mental health issues, including a higher risk of overdose and mortality. The methamphetamine threat gets further complicated by its crossing with the ongoing opioid crisis, with many individuals presenting with polydrug use.
Under the rising addiction epidemic, itโs vital to learn about the symptoms, risks and crystal meth overdose treatment. Continue reading to get insights into the critical aspects of meth overdose.
Table Of Contents:
Methamphetamine Overview
Methamphetamine, known as โmethโ or โcrystal meth,โ is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug and the most widely used amphetamine-type stimulant.
Classified as a Schedule II stimulant, methamphetamine is easily synthesized from inexpensive chemicals with high potential for abuse and limited medical use. This drug produces intense euphoria and stimulant effects similar to cocaine.
Methamphetamine use is associated with a multitude of health issues that may ultimately lead to death. Letโs focus on one of the worst-case scenarios: meth overdose.
Signs of Crystal Meth Overdose
Methamphetamine can be snorted, ingested, injected, or smoked with โparachutingโโwhere the drug is wrapped in toilet paper or plastic wrap to delay absorption. The severity of the signs can be influenced by the method of ingestion.
For example, injected meth enters the bloodstream and brain more rapidly, resulting in more intense and immediate effects. While symptoms of a meth overdose can vary, they often include physical and psychological signs, such as:
- Extreme agitation or anxiety
- Aggressive behavior
- Hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breaths)
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Confusion or psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, or severe paranoia)
- Loss of consciousness
In severe cases, a crystal meth overdose can lead to:
- Heart attack: Meth restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, similar to a disease-induced heart attack.
- Cardiac arrest: Meth can cause the heart to stop, which is deadly within minutes without CPR.
- Seizure: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
- Stroke: Restricted blood flow in the brain can lead to a stroke.
Considering that crystal meth toxicity is not always dose-dependent, and the drug can accumulate in the body over extended periods, a meth overdose can happen unexpectedly with little warning.
How Much Does It Take to Overdose On Meth?
Determining the crystal meth overdose amount is not possible. Various factors can influence an individualโs susceptibility to a methamphetamine overdose, including tolerance, route of administration, presence of other substances, and overall health.
Factors influencing overdose risk are:
- Tolerance: Regular users may need more significant amounts due to increased tolerance.
- Route of Administration: Injecting or smoking meth delivers the drug more rapidly to the brain.
- Polydrug Use: Concurrent use of other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, can amplify meth’s effects.
- Purity and Potency: Variations in the drug’s purity can lead to unintentional overconsumption.
- Overall Health: Pre-existing mental health and cardiovascular disease exacerbate meth’s effects.
Even though meth LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population) was estimated between 55 and 57 mg/kg in rats and mice, there is no set lethal dose of meth in humans, and even small amounts can be dangerous. Methamphetamineโs effects are unpredictable. There isnโt a meth-safe dose.
How Long Does It Take to Overdose On Meth?
An overdose of methamphetamine can happen very quickly. The rapid onset of overdose symptoms is particularly dangerous because it leaves little time for intervention.
However, the duration of overdose symptoms can be equally alarming. Methamphetamine half-life has been reported as 10.1 hours (range 6.4โ15 hours). Since meth remains active in the body for an extended period, side effects, such as delusional thinking, can last for up to 15 hours.
Always remember that there is no standard time for when an overdose can occur. It can happen immediately after use or many hours later.
How to Treat Crystal Meth Overdose?
If you think someone has overdosed on meth, itโs crucial to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
- Call 911 to get emergency medical assistance. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a meth overdose.
- If the person appears unconscious, try to wake them up by rubbing their chest with your fist.
- Check for a pulse. If you cannot immediately feel a pulse, start CPR. 911 operators can guide you.
- Remain with the individual until paramedics arrive. Keep them as calm and safe as possible.
Crystal Meth Overdose Treatment
Treating a methamphetamine overdose requires prompt medical intervention to mitigate severe health risks. Once emergency responders arrive and the person is transported to the hospital, several critical steps are taken to manage the overdose effectively, including:
- Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory status monitoring.
- Benzodiazepines or other sedatives to calm agitation, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Hyperthermia is treated with external cooling measures such as ice packs or cooling blankets.
- Supplemental oxygen may be provided to ensure adequate oxygenation.
- Medications to stabilize blood pressure.
- If the patient cannot breathe independently, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
- IV fluids to maintain hydration and correct any electrolyte imbalances.
- Activated charcoal if meth was swallowed.
- After stabilizing, a psychiatric evaluation is needed to address mental health issues.
Will Narcan Help Crystal Meth Overdose?
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication specifically designed to reverse opioid overdoses rapidly. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively displacing opioids and reversing their effects.
Although Narcan does not counteract the effects of a methamphetamine overdose, it can still be valuable if you have it at hand during a meth overdose. Methamphetamine users often use multiple substances, including opioids. In cases of polydrug use, where both methamphetamine and opioids are involved, administering Narcan can be lifesaving.
Crystal Meth Overdose Prevention
Like any substance, the best way to prevent an overdose is to avoid using the drug altogether. Remain sober and clean!
Yet, since meth addiction can be challenging to beat, access to addiction treatment services, including counseling, detox programs, and rehabilitation, can be the difference between life and death.
Support networks play a vital role in recovery by providing emotional support and encouragement. Every American state must aim to implement public health initiatives and policies to reduce the availability of methamphetamine and promote access to mental health and addiction services.
Meth Overdose โ Key Takeaways
Crystal meth, a highly addictive stimulant, poses severe health risks, including the potential for fatal overdose. Methamphetamine overdoses can occur quickly, with symptoms ranging from severe agitation and hyperthermia to heart attacks and seizures.
Remember that the first thing you should do during a suspected meth overdose is call 911 and follow their instructions. If Narcan (naloxone) is available, it can be life-saving in cases where opioids are also involved. Methamphetamine addiction is one of the hardest to overcome. Access to addiction treatment services and strong support networks can be the most important options to keep someone alive and drug-free.
Find local rehab centers to receive the guidance you or someone you love needs.
People Also Ask
Can you overdose on meth?
Yes, you can overdose on meth. Overdose symptoms can range from severe agitation and hyperthermia to heart attacks and seizures, potentially leading to death.
How much meth will kill you?
There is no set meth lethal dose as it varies based on individual tolerance, method of use, purity, and presence of other substances.
How much meth does it take to od?
Meth overdose can occur at varying doses, depending on factors like user tolerance, purity of the drug, and concurrent use of other substances.
Page Sources
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- Richards, J. R., & Laurin, E. G. (2023, June 8). Methamphetamine toxicity. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430895/
- Edinoff, A. N., et al. (2022). Methamphetamine use: A Narrative review of adverse effects and related toxicities. Health Psychology Research, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.38161
- Kolluru, G. K., et al. (2022). Methamphetamine causes cardiovascular dysfunction via cystathionine gamma lyase and hydrogen sulfide depletion. Redox Biology, 57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2022.102480
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